"In TechCrunch's testing, we've found that Comet and ChatGPT Atlas' agents are moderately useful for simple tasks, especially when given broad access. However, the version of web browsing AI agents available today often struggle with more complicated tasks, and can take a long time to complete them. Using them can feel more like a neat party trick than a meaningful productivity booster."
"But consumers may not be aware of the major risks to user privacy that come along with agentic browsing, a problem that the entire tech industry is trying to grapple with. Cybersecurity experts who spoke to TechCrunch say AI browser agents pose a larger risk to user privacy compared to traditional browsers. They say consumers should consider how much access they give web browsing AI agents, and whether the purported benefits outweigh the risks."
AI-powered web browsers with agentic browsing aim to automate tasks by clicking sites and filling forms on users' behalf. They require extensive access, including email, calendar, and contacts, to function effectively. Agents are moderately useful for simple tasks when granted broad access but often struggle and are slow on complex tasks. Prompt injection attacks can hide malicious instructions on webpages that trick agents into executing attacker commands. Insufficient safeguards can cause agents to expose emails, logins, or perform malicious actions like unintended purchases or posts. Consumers should weigh convenience against significant privacy and security risks before granting broad agent access.
Read at TechCrunch
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